Hybrid vehicles are a popular choice for business owners and contractors for a number of reasons. These cars have been growing in popularity for many years and provide a sensible alternative to pure internal combustion engine vehicles, or electric ones.
Most hybrids run on normal fuel but have an electric motor to improve fuel economy and performance. The battery charges as you drive and will allow the motor to take over when you’re pulling away or moving at slow speeds.
There are some plugin hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) out there but, typically, you’ll be looking at traditional hybrids within your fleet. Here are some reasons why you should consider a hybrid.
Better fuel economy for your fleet
Allowing the electric motor to take over when you’re moving at slower speeds – such as in a city or when stuck in traffic – can save on your fuel costs.
Whether you’re looking to replace your entire fleet with hybrids, or are looking to simply add one or two to your fleet, there are plenty of savings to be had when it comes to fuel.
This means fewer stops at the gas station, allowing you to fit more into your day.
Lower bills
Not only will a hybrid vehicle do more miles to the gallon – as long as you take advantage of the electric motor – but, in most cases, your other bills will come down too. Lower tax and operating costs mean you can put more money into other areas of your business.
Great for corporate social responsibility
Being seen as socially responsible is a priority for many businesses. Whether you are already on a mission to reduce emissions through an ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme or are looking for ways to reduce your business’ impact on the planet, a hybrid could be a good choice.
Instant torque
If you’ve never driven under electric power, you’re in for a treat. Electric cars, and hybrids running on their electric motor will give you instant torque as soon as you put your foot down - no need to worry about waiting for the revs to climb. This is handy when you’re pulling away from traffic lights or looking to overtake on a highway.
Not only is the instant torque of an electric motor fun, but it also makes for quite a capable vehicle. Being able to maneuver quickly between jobs is important, so the last thing you want is to be stuck with a sluggish petrol engine with no power.
The best of both worlds
While an electric vehicle might seem tempting for its green credentials, they’re not always practical, especially if your fleet cars are driving long distances each day.
And while a regular internal combustion engine vehicle might seem practical, the running costs are often high. Plus they’re not exactly the greenest option for a modern business.
A hybrid offers a nice mix of these two with all the perks of both. You have lower emissions and running costs, while still having the flexibility of a gas tank you can fill up whenever you need to. Standard hybrid vehicle batteries don’t need to be plugged in, so you won’t be hunting for that charging station when you should be working.
If you’re interested in exploring hybrid options for your fleet, take a look at our vehicle builder to see what’s available.
